Whether your Hanukkah holiday traditions include latkes, brisket, or chicken wings (yes, wings), treasured family recipes have a special place at the table each year.

In the Washington, D.C., area, my family and I celebrate Hanukkah with an unwavering menu of delicious foods — if just one of these dishes were missing, it wouldn't be the holidays! And so, after a short ceremony of candle-lighting and gift swapping, these time-tested dishes roll out from the kitchen to a crowd of hungry loved ones.

Since we all know that potato latkes really taste best straight from the bubbling oil (as anyone who's eaten a cold French fry can attest), a cheerful fry volunteer always stays behind in the kitchen to ensure that these creamy, yet crisp, golden-brown beauties achieve all they are meant to be.